Mercer County Equestrian Center
- History
One of the earliest farmers to farm this property was Earnest Johnson, the son of Russell Johnson who owned a farm on the land that is now Rosedale Park. Earnest utilized the land for dairy and crops. In the 1960’s, the MacDonald Family purchased the farm and renamed it The Hadda Farm. The MacDonalds leased out the cropland to a local farming family, the Schaafsmas. They grew crops and raised farm animals. In 1979, Janet Schaafsma built the main horse barn with the indoor arena and began operating a riding and boarding facility. Her daughter Debbie took over the business until the County acquired the property in 1994. Since then, the Mercer County Equestrian Center has been updated to feature 31 stalls, and indoor and two outdoor rings, two grooming stalls, two tack rooms, two feed rooms, two wash stalls, and eleven horse pastures. - Facilities
- The 243 acre facility has marked trails for bird watching, walking, hiking, and horseback riding that lead to Rosedale Park and Mercer County Park Northwest.
- 27 horses currently reside at this facility
- The 243 acre facility has marked trails for bird watching, walking, hiking, and horseback riding that lead to Rosedale Park and Mercer County Park Northwest.
- Programs and Activities
- Lessons are available year round
- Educational tours for Scouts, schools, and organizations
- Horse Shows
- Hippotherapy Program for children with special physical needs
- Summer Camps and 4-H Programs
- Pony rides are available for children during the normal hours of operation
- A great place for birthday parties and special events providing pony rides and a party area
- Self-guided tours are encouraged during business hours; visitors can walk through the barns and the property at their leisure for no charge
- Lessons are available year round
- Interesting Fact
The farm's green and white color scheme came from Janet Schaafsma. That was, and still is, the color scheme of the historic barn on Old Mill Road, which is on the farm of her late husband’s childhood home. - Hours and General Information
Hours of Operation: Open 7 Days a week Monday through Friday- 6 A.M. to 8 P.M.,;Saturdays and Sundays 6 A.M.-6 P.M.
Telephone: (609) 730-9059
Fax: (609) 730-9701
Address: 431 Federal City Road, Pennington, New Jersey.
Handicap Accessibility is available
- Cost
Varies for lessons and programs offered. Please refer to our current brochures for additional information and 2009 fees.

